[UPDATED] Patrick Manning's son, Brian, on Panday – 'My father’s political opponent, never his enemy'

IN the Parliament, Basdeo Panday and Patrick Manning, who alternated roles as prime ministers and opposition leaders over almost half a century, appeared to be arch enemies as they squared off on opposite sides of the Lower House.

The two were students at Presentation College, San Fernando, and often attended school functions where they publicly sparred with each other. For those old enough to remember, the two wiped their hands on handkerchiefs after a public handshake and then laughed about their action.

One day after Panday's death, Manning's son, Brian, is disputing long-held convictions that the two were rivals. So too Subhas Panday, the younger brother of the man known as “the silver fox.”

Brian said that public display did not reflect the genuine relationship the two shared.

“He and my father over the years honed each other like iron sharpening iron, and they were both made better politicians and people by having to contend with each other.

“He was my father’s political opponent, but never his enemy. Over the years he even became my friend.”

Subhas also told Newsday while Panday and Manning hurled insults at each other across the parliamentary floor, when they got to the tearoom, it was a different story.

“They were friends and they would hug and laugh with each other.”

San Fernando mayor Robert Parris, who was the godson of the late Manning, recalled that after stormy parliamentary sessions, Panday and Manning would journey to a pub owned by the late Ken Valley and imbibe some good liquor.

Panday’s daughter Mickela has often spoken of “Uncle Patrick” and the close relationship  of the two political opponents.

Mickela and her late father were among a privileged few to be allowed at the bedside of  Manning at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) shortly before his death.

Brian, San Fernando East MP and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, said Panday’s death signals the passing of a political giant.

“He was a man who worked tirelessly for the people of TT. He was well known for his resilience, charisma, fortitude and unparalleled wit,” Brian recalled.

“He will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace, Mr Panday and may God bring comfort to your loved ones."

Brian’s mother Hazel Manning, a former education minister in her husband's cabinet, took to Facebook to post a picture of her husband and Panday hugging and laughing, expressing the sense of humour which defined the two men.

Hazel declined to make any comment at this time, her son said.

Panday, 90, died on January 1 in Florida, where he had gone for medical treatment in mid-December, surrounded by his family. There were no details of his medical condition.

Former president of Presentation Alumni Association Steven Samlalsingh said Panday’s alma mater will celebrate his life at a special ceremony at the Carib Street college on the evening of January 4.

Samlalsingh said the school will do for Panday just what it did for Manning, one of the two prime ministers who emerged from the college.

Samlalsingh said arrangements are still being made, but a two-hour ceremony is carded to start at 6 pm.

“Basdeo Panday was an enigma. A man of the people who willingly gave of his time,” Samlalsingh said on behalf of the alumni association.

He recalled his interactions with him within the last two months.

“First at CPL cricket in the Oval and one night bouncing him up at a restaurant where he was celebrating Mrs Panday's birthday.

“His hallmark charm, wit, humility, intelligence and passion gave him longevity and legend status in the very unforgiving and cut-and-thrust world of politics.”

Samlalsingh said Panday, “loved his alma mater and rarely missed an edition of PREStige, (the school’s annual all-inclusive Carnival fete), the annual reunion or the Presman of the Year dinner.”

The college recently honoured Panday, presenting him with a beret, which identified his fighting spirit, with the Pres insignia.

“He seemed quite pleased.
'My interactions with him were positive and he was always ready to share tips and observations that were most insightful.

“I will miss him dearly and I am humbled and grateful to have known the man,” Samlalsingh said.

This story was updated with additional details. The original story is below.

SAN FERNANDO East MP and Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning said Trinidad and Tobago has witnessed the passing of a political giant with the death of former prime minister Basdeo Panday.

“He was a man who worked tirelessly for the people of TT," Brian, the son of another late prime minister, Patrick Manning, said.

The two former prime ministers were both students at Presentation College, San Fernando, and often attended school functions where they publicly sparred with each other.

Brian said that public display, however, did not reflect the relationship that the two shared.

“He and my father over the years, honed each other like iron sharpening iron and, they were both made better politicians and people by having to contend with each other.

“He was my father’s political opponent but never his enemy. Over the years he even became my friend.”

Panday’s daughter Mickela has often spoken of “Uncle Patrick” and the close relationship the two political opponents shared. Hazel Manning, a former education minister in her husband's cabinet and mother of Brian, took to Facebook to post a picture of her husband and Panday hugging and laughing, expressing the sense of humour which defined the two men.

Hazel has declined to make any comment at this time, her son told the Newsday.

“Former prime minister Basdeo Panday was well known for his resilience, charisma, fortitude and unparalleled wit,” Brian recalled.

“He will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace Mr Panday and may God bring comfort to your loved ones."

Panday, 90, died on New Year’s Day in Florida, where he had gone for medical treatment in mid-December, surrounded by his family. There were no details of his medical condition.